Overview
- United CEO Scott Kirby confirmed Monday that he approached American about a merger and said the idea is now off the table after American refused to engage.
- American CEO Robert Isom called a tie-up a nonstarter, and he signaled interest in deeper cooperation with Alaska Airlines and possible purchases of select Spirit assets.
- Kirby defended the shelved plan as growth-focused, saying a combined carrier could add routes, create union jobs, expand international flying, and still pass review even with required divestitures in some markets.
- The floated deal drew quick pushback from President Trump and from senators Elizabeth Warren and Mike Lee, who said it would reduce competition and harm travelers.
- Prospects for large airline combinations remain dim after a judge blocked JetBlue’s bid for Spirit in 2024 and as regulators weigh concentration at hubs like O’Hare and Dallas–Fort Worth.